Magpies swoop in

Brodie Grundy, Tyler Brown, Tim Broomhead, Tom Wilson, Trey Ruscoe and Brody Mihocek at Gumbuya World. Pictures: MITCHELL CLARKE 206149_02

By Mitchell Clarke

Side by side the black and white army stood as one, watching on as some of their favourite Collingwood stars toured Gumbuya World.

Players Brodie Grundy, Jamie Elliott, Brody Mihocek, Tim Broomhead, Tom Wilson, Trey Ruscoe and Tyler Brown were met by excited fans of all ages at the theme park on Monday 9 March.

Gumbuya World CEO Ron Weinzierl said the visit provided the perfect end to the long weekend.

“We loved having players from the Collingwood Football Club at Gumbuya World following their final Marsh Community Series match in Morwell on Sunday,” Mr Weinzierl said.

“Having local footy fans meet some of their sporting heroes was a perfect way to finish a great long weekend here.”

The club’s visit followed a family day at West Gippsland Art Centre earlier on in the day, which saw people travel to the region for the selfie opportunity.

Baw Baw Shire Council mayor Danny Goss said the event would be a welcome boost to local businesses.

“It’s very exciting for our community to get the chance to meet and talk with the players – the perfect way for Magpie, and football fans, to finish off their long weekend,” Cr Goss said.

“We are thankful of the ongoing support from Collingwood and the Latrobe Valley Authority for our region.”

Both events followed Collingwood’s match against StKilda in Morwell as part of the Marsh Community Series on Sunday 8 March.

“Collingwood is proud to have a strong community association with the Latrobe Valley and we look forward to returning each year,” Collingwood Football Club CEO Mark Anderson said.

“The club is pleased to have the opportunity to engage with the region’s locals and continue to develop our relationship with the community.”